Volkswagen may build motorbikes with KTM

Posted Wed May 14 2008 10:46 AM by Ralph Hanson

Volkswagen chairman Ferdinand Piech revealed last month his desire to expand the carmaker’s operations into the motorbike industry, telling German media that he regretted not acquiring the Ducati label during the 1980s when it was near bankruptcy. Piech’s dream could soon come true as latest reports claim VW is about to produce its first-ever motorbike.

Volkswagen is rumored to be in negotiations with Austrian motorbike manufacturer KTM over a deal to produce VW branded motorbikes and three-wheelers. According to AutoExpress, VW is planning to revive its stillborn GX-3 project (pictured) as well as develop a range of motorbikes to compete with BMW’s Motorrad subsidiary. The carbon-fiber specialists at KTM could even help VW engineer a production version of its 1-liter concept.

The GX-3 was an official concept vehicle that was displayed back at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show. Designed together with KTM, the concept featured a 2.0L turbocharged engine sourced from the Audi TT and would eventually go on to inspire the Austrian motorbike manufacture to build its own X-Bow roadster. VW dropped plans to further develop the GX-3 due to the legal hurdles of producing and selling such vehicle.

KTM X-Bow ‘Dallara Series'

Gallery: KTM X-Bow ‘Dallara Series’

Reader Comments

Wed May 14 2008 1:05 PM
Savedsol says

Be still my heart! I was praying that VW saying no to Defiant was a positive sign. The day they start taking deposits...assuming the price hasn't changed.
Wed May 14 2008 1:33 PM
Gus says

More toys, bring it on!
Wed May 14 2008 3:00 PM
BAUMM III says

And what if VW/KTM will produce the first ever "high millage" diesel motorcycle?
Using the same single 300cc Diesel engine as confirmed for the "VW 1L" (235MPG) car??

It's indeed funny to see so much new technologies, concepts, and so on to reduce consumption and pollution on cars, but nothing on motorcycle (yet)
Thu May 15 2008 3:48 AM
RB says

Do bikes even have cats yet?

Is this a way of VW meeting their emissions standards for their whole range??
Thu May 15 2008 12:30 PM
BAUMM III says

Could be that KTM, after the X-Bow, produce the "1 liter car" for VW!?
In return, KTM could use this engine to power a ultra efficient scooter???

I see indeed no reason for VW to produce a bike, except if it's just a KTM motorcycle with a VW badge, but what for? KTM do very well without VW so far.

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